Seniors like to reminisce about past experiences in our lives. We like to look at old pictures, brochures, letters and postcards which remind us of vacations.
Inauguration Day 2009 was a special day of remembering and reflecting on a most wonderful experience I had in Washington D.C. May 2007. I spent 3 weeks in D C as a volunteer at a guest house as a volunteer doing cooking, gardening and cleaning. This had it benefits as visiting the nations capitol for a couple of days as a tourist would be quite expensive let alone staying for 3 weeks. Each day, after finishing tasks, I loaded up my fanny pack with water, camera, cell phone, sunglasses, business card of the house (served as my ID), a D C map as well as some quick snacks. Putting on my best walking shoes I took off on daily adventures as a tourist.
For 69 cents I could buy a ticket to use anytime during my excursion including the return trip. So for that small price I could travel to the government buildings, zoo, museums, mall, and monuments usually walking upon bus arrival in the mall/ capitol area. Because of the extended time in Washington D.C. I was able to spend lengthy times at any point of interest even returning to the same locations more than once to soak in more information. I could sit and walk in gardens with no concern for time. The volunteer position included room and board as well as providing companion volunteers who knew of great places not to be missed. Several times, I even went with house guests adding to the camaraderie. At evening tea time we shared our adventures so I kept finding more places to visit.
The volunteer experience was great because I could be a tourist with or without companions, and people at the guest house to report to if I had problems. Expense wise, this was a life saver. I could never have afforded 3 weeks in Washington and take note, visitors can visit most places of interest for free which is great for retirees.
Tues. Jan 22, 2009, Inauguration 
Day was a day of reflection for me as watched the proceedings on T.V. I remembered warm late afternoons and early evenings walking along Pennsylania Ave in D. C. I was able to recognize the buildings and understood the turns the parade was taking. I remembered sitting on benches to rest and reflecting on all the presidents that had traveled down that road. The capitol dome was ever present in view as I walked up and down this most famous Ave. Of course being a baby boomer I envisioned the tradegies played out on Pennsylvia Ave where mourners gathered to say a final farewell. I could enjoy the slim crowd of weary tourists as the day was coming to an end.
I could have turned off the heat yesterday, put on my winter coat, opened the doors and windows to feel like I was there to witness this part of this historic day. Perhaps I will return to Washington some day and now add a new memory of Pennsylvania Ave. Yes, I wish I had been there but I think I saw more in the comfort of my living room.
Now Pesident Obama asks us to get involved. Perhaps I will find somewhere interesting to give of my time whether here at home or by traveling to another location. It might be an obcure place or it could be a place like Washing D.C. where I can re-live memories for days and years to come.
Panda picked reminiscing about volunteer experiences to remind us that we create valuable memories while doing service to mankind. As Obama said “….there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task”.
We baby boomers have as retirees, time to give, talents to share, memories to make. Where would you like to serve? What part can you play in the call to serve our nation and its people as a volunteer?
Panda Lady
panda picks
Diane